Permanent Storage medium

Data is captured by means of special devices which generate a file on RAID disks. This file, once the satellite has passed, is transferred to a permanent magnetic-optical disk for back-up purposes as well as to the data base of the system, for processing.

Conversion of bit-stream to byte stream

The captured file is organized (from the viewpoint of information structure) into a sequence of bits which cannot be interpreted immediately by any application. This is why the information must be preprocessed and structured into a format that can be interpreted by other applications. This processing converts the sequence of bits first into a sequence of bytes and then into an organization of registers for storage in the data base.

Information is transmitted by the satellite in either of these two formats:

• MMRS format if images are being sent in real-time
• Satellite format if stored images or other data are sent

Framing of MMRS formats: This process consists of the detection of the synchronism word attached to each image line and the generation of database registers.

Framing and reconstruction of satellite formats: Data and images received in this format undergo two processes; the detection of the synchronism word received for each information packet and the generation of registers that can be stored on the data base.

Generation of other data: In addition to images, other data is received in satellite format, such as status data, scientific instrument data, data acquisition systems, calibration data, etc. These data are automatically processed and stored in corresponding data bases.

Generation of Quick Look Catalog Images

Once the information of the images is stored in the data base, the scenes of the satellite's passes are catalogued. Data that are put onto the catalog are:

• A Quick Look of each scene of the pass
• Telemetry data associated with the center and the borders of the scene
• Data related to the quality of the image, introduced by a specialist who attends the generation of the catalog.

These data are stored in the data base of the catalog and are available for user reference. The information used to generate the catalog can be transferred from the system disk to a movable permanent medium (such as for example a magnetic-optical disk).

Catalog query and search for images. Product Orders

The catalog module features quering and searching tools by means of which a user can find any scene of interest. By means of data introduced by the specialist during cataloguing and the Quick Look image, a user can readily assess the quality of a given scene.

The module features a facility by means of which the user can place a Product Order, indicating the required scene, level of correction and physical medium for the Product. This Order is then sent to the system for execution.

Product processing. Delivery and registration

Products generated based on orders sent by the user or on specifications entered that moment, are processed on the basis of the catalog identification of the scene. The production process of consists in the identification of the original data (which possibly are not on line on the system dada base) the processing of corrections, the generation of the physical medium, the labeling and registration of Product. This information is used later to emit a report that will accompany the Product.